Pre-war (up to 1942) Need help with a 346 rear seal.

[914Driver]

Morning all,

Trying to install a rope type seal in my 346 engine.  It's in and looks happy, problem is the rear bearing cap!  It slips over the top of the bearing and has a cork gasket on each side that is twice as thick as the slot it fits in.  Do I mush the cork down into the slot, cut off the thicker material or call in a professional?

The cap is a snug slip fit into the block; I just don't want to have to go through all this again if it leaks.  Please advise or direct me.

Thanks, Dan

[harry s]

I've had that same problem. The vertical cork strips that come with the gasket sets are way too thick. I ended up getting cork squares that were the right thickness from one of the hobby shops and cutting new strips to fit. Also when installing it is helpful to apply a thin coat of grease to make the main cap slip into place. It is also a good idea to put sealant or rtv in the upper corners and along the top edge of the cap.   Harry

[914Driver]

Sounds like the plan I should have used.  I squeezed it between two plates and then forced the cap down into the block.  The crank won't roll over now.   

Shot myself in the foot again .....